Changing Lives has been awarded £95,000 from a new government start-up fund to help people who have taken lengthy career breaks to care for others get back into work.

We are one of five grant recipients from a £1.5 million Government start-up fund to support parents and carers back into the workplace through training, refreshing skills and facilitating work placements.

In the UK, nine out of ten potential returners are women. Studies have shown that time out of work and fewer years of full-time work are two of the reasons women struggle to progress at work – contributing towards the gender pay gap. The funding will help people with caring responsibilities from across the country to return to work – boosting the economy and helping to tackle the gender pay gap.

Minister for Women, Victoria Atkins, said:

“For too long taking time out of work to care for others has cut short careers and brilliant, talented women are unable to re-enter industries which will not support them to return. This is a huge loss not only to those individuals, but to our economy and businesses all over the country.

We are investing in returners to work – giving them the opportunity to refresh and grow their skills and encouraging employers to change their outdated recruitment processes. By taking action on this issue we can grow the economy and achieve true equality in our workplaces.”

With this grant we will be able to help 80 returners in the North East who have experience of homelessness, sexual exploitation, addiction, mental and physical health problems, long-term unemployment and/or poverty.

Stephen Bell, CEO of Changing Lives said:

“We are delighted to have been successful in securing funding from the Returner’s Fund. Here at Changing Lives we are dedicated to supporting those with multiple and complex needs to overcome the barriers they face. This fund will allow us to develop our Employment Services to empower women to move back into employment and fulfill their potential.”

Changing Lives are committed to helping people who are unemployed to overcome the barriers they may face and find work. Our dedicated employment teams help people to identify their goals and work towards them at their own pace, empowering them to take control of their future.